In industries such as power plants, petroleum and natural gas pipelines, and metal constructions, in situ metallography is critical in ensuring the safety and quality of components. Portable metallographic instruments are essential for on-site grinding, polishing, and etching procedures without damaging the components. This is particularly crucial when components cannot be transported to a laboratory for further analysis. Portable instruments enable real-time analysis and evaluation of the microstructure and surface quality of components, ensuring their structural integrity and identifying potential defects or weaknesses.
The Kemet Portable Grinder Polisher & Etching tool is outfitted with a battery pack and motor controller that power an NSK Evolution Power Polisher. The separate battery pack and controller improve weight distribution, while the motor speed is variable in steps from 1000rpm to 25,000rpm. The device incorporates a brushless motor and is equipped with a battery pack that offers a 2 ½ to 5 hours operating time on a single charge. Additionally, the device includes a visual LED bar-graph display that provides information on RPM, load indication, and battery level. Convenient push buttons are also featured for adjusting RPM, powering the device on/off, and reversing the rotation.
Portable techniques for in situ metallography enable real-time analysis and evaluation of components’ microstructure and surface quality without the need for transportation to a laboratory. This is particularly useful for components that cannot be easily transported. By utilising in situ metallography, the quality of purchased components can be closely monitored, thereby ensuring that they meet the necessary standards and specifications. Furthermore, replicas are suitable for both flat and curved surfaces, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the microstructure and surface quality of the components.
